^This book is about a boy named Oscar and his best friend Meg. Meg moves away to New Zealand when her dad gets a research project there, leaving Oscar on his own. Oscar soon goes missing and is presumed dead. But, after a talk with his brother Stevie, Meg starts to believe that he is still alive, and she is correct. She then realises that the girl who moved into her house after she left may have been a reason behind Oscar’s disappearance. Oscar also bakes the best apple tarts for any occasion, giving the book its name.

I have reviewed another book by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald called ‘The Shark and The Scar’ which is in the age category of 10 to 12 years. Both of Sarah Moore Fitzgerald books go over the themes of friendship however, The Apple Tart of Hope covers more mature and serious topics. Both books also include the theme of moving, as in both books one of the main characters moves away, and that results in the climax of the book. The Apple Tart of Hope is also written in two perspectives of the main characters, who are also a boy and a girl. We see the symbolism in both books of a scar and an apple tart which is also shown in the name of the book.

This is not a happy book though it has a partially happy ending. This book is not for people who want a comfortable, light or happy read but is a good as a serious read.